Murray shelves Euro glamour for cup defence
ST JOHNSTONE are clocking up the air miles in European competitions, with a trip to Austria looming hard on the heels of a successful flight to Turkey.
But Murray Davidson insists today’s 40-mile journey to Arbroath carries as much significance as Saints begin the defence of the League Cup which nestles alongside the Scottish Cup at McDiarmid Park.
While supporters may be eyeing up the Europa Conference League play-offs with Austrian side LASK, Davidson is adamant that manager Callum Davidson will have his players fully focused on domestic matters.
He is confident Saints have the strength in depth —and resolve — to bounce back from Thursday’s thrilling 4-2 defeat to Galatasaray, which ended their Europa League aspirations in front of a full house in Perth.
‘We have to put the Galatasaray disappointment behind us quickly,’ said Davidson (right). ‘The manager said after the game it was good to have other big games coming up. Obviously, we were disappointed but we want cup runs again this season and it starts against Arbroath.
‘Galatasaray are a top team with massive resources, there’s no getting away from it. You look at some of their players and the way they move the ball.
‘But after two hours of football we were level with them. So there are loads of positives to take from the two games.
‘There are some things we feel we could have done better but there is no shame in losing to Galatasaray.
‘They have so many good players at the top end of the pitch that can hurt you. But we dust ourselves down and get ready for other games coming up.’
Midfielder Davidson admits turning their attention from Galatasaray to Gayfield and Dick Campbell’s part-timers borders on the surreal. The 33-year-old added: ‘We were up there in pre-season and won 4-1 but it was a very difficult game. I was impressed with Arbroath.
‘We know if we are not right at it we won’t go through. But we also know if we play well we have a chance to reach another cup quarter-final. ‘Obviously, we won two cups last year. We like cup runs here and this season is no different.
‘Clubs will see us as a big target being the holders. If I am in the Arbroath dressing room, I’m saying we want to knock out St Johnstone. ‘Coming off the back of a European game can be difficult. But we have a big enough squad with enough quality to go there and get a positive result.
‘This will be a different type of test for us. Arbroath players will be thinking the pressure is all on St Johnstone and they have nothing to lose. A bit like us against the Turkish side.
‘So we have to prepare right and the 11 that are picked have to make sure we get into the next round of the cup.’
Davidson recalls Tommy Wright’s 2014 Scottish Cup winners coming a cropper at Queen of the South as the trophy slipped ignominiously from their grasp.
‘That was probably one of the biggest disappointments I have had here,’ he recalled. ‘There was a big build-up and we took down a big crowd.
‘They deserved to beat us that day but over the years here we have a good record against teams from lower leagues in knockout competitions.
‘I have no doubt the staff will have us prepared mentally for the game. We have to make sure we are in the next round.’